Social Media

iHeartRadio Releases API for Third-Party Developers

Clear Channel Radio just unleashed iHeartRadio's application programming interface, which will allow outside developers to infuse the music-streaming service's content and features into their apps or other platforms.

After undergoing a face-lift in 2011 with a new logo and web site, iHeartRadio is looking for new ways to grow its user base and share its features in more places. iHeartRadio began that push by hopping on Facebook's Open Graph in September. The partnership let Facebook users share their iHeartRadio activity on their Timeline and ticker.

Now, iHeartRadio is opening the doors to the API that powers more than 800 stations and 11 million songs.

Third-party developers will need to sign up for the Developer Program to use the API. Once registered, developers will have access to API documents and brand guidelines to begin tinkering around with social media integration, custom stations, broadcast and digital-only stations, or other iHeartRadio features.

Rival music service Spotify shared its API in August and has since launched an app platform that grants users access to third-party applications such as Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, Billboard, Last.fm and The Guardian.

Spotify became available in the U.S. in July and delivered its API to developers a month later, whereas iHeartRadio has been around since 2008 — the same year it released an iOS app — and just revealed its API Tuesday. Since 2008, iHeartRadio has created apps for BlackBerry, Android, Windows Phone and Xbox.

"This move also builds on our commitment to be everywhere our listeners expect us to be, with the best products and services," said Brian Lakamp, president of Clear Channel Digital, in an announcement.

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